HANAMA‘ULU — Recognized internationally as one of the top entertainers from Hawai‘i, Keali‘i Reichel is also a kumu of Hawaiian culture to the world. Reichel will be performing as part of the E Kanikapila Kakou concert series at 7 p.m.
HANAMA‘ULU — Recognized internationally as one of the top entertainers from Hawai‘i, Keali‘i Reichel is also a kumu of Hawaiian culture to the world.
Reichel will be performing as part of the E Kanikapila Kakou concert series at 7 p.m. tonight at the Kaua‘i Beach Resort in the Jasmine Ballroom. Tickets are $25.
Growing up on Maui, Reichel developed a deep passion for the Hawaiian language and culture. His enthusiasm spurred his opening a Hawaiian language immersion preschool, Punana Leo O Maui.
In 1980, he became kumu hula with Halau Ke‘alaokamaile and has been recognized several times over the years for his work as a chanter.
Nearly 20 years ago, Reichel produced and released “Kawaipunahele,” which featured traditional and contemporary chants and songs.
Since then, he has released five more albums including “Lei Hali‘a” in 1995, “E O Mai” in 1997, “Melelana” in 1999, “Ke‘alaokamaile” in 2003, and “Kamahiwa: The Keali‘i Reichel Collection Vol. 1” in 2006.
His work has been very well received: He has won 19 Na Hoku Hanohano awards, and was inducted two years ago into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame.
Reichel has also been recognized several times on Billboard Magazine’s World Music and Heatseeker Charts.
Call the Garden Island Arts Council at 245-2733 for more information.
